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Calix jokingly suggests 'winter goblin soup' for dinner, to which there is a clamoring from the goblins to expose their good traits and that they want to help. The dromaar gives a performative sigh and appoints them “consultants” to prevent others from sneaking into the estate.
Calix catches up with you. Please. Find them and recover as many of the models as you can. Quickly... as I don't think they'll handle them with care! He seems quite nervous and not the well-composed host you recently met.
Calix is the first to regain his composure. He gestures to the door leading out into the rest of the estate. Pathfinders, if you please? he entreats in a strained voice.
As the struggling sun reaches its zenith, Calix emerges from the main doors of the estate and tolls a large brass bell twice. The sound echoes across the courtyard, piercing through the chatter of the assembled parties and drawing all eyes to the dromaar. Esteemed representatives, assembled staff, and, of course, our honored guests from the Pathfinder Society. I hope you have found the accommodations welcome and are all prepared to present your solutions to Her Majesty Queen Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova. The court will receive you in the estate's meeting room. If you would please gather your demonstrative models and accompany me closely. The estate has many rooms and corridors, and it would not do for any of you to lose your way.
Calix leads the group in a straight path through the courtyard, past the fountain and up the polished marble and slate steps of the estate. After a few hallways and turns he pauses at a door carved out of blackened oak. The dromaar knocks ceremoniously before swinging it open and bowing deep in a single, effortless motion. Your Majesty, the analysts from the Pathfinder Society, as supplied by Venture-Captain Bjersig Torrsen, have arrived. Calix raises his head to peer into the room. After seeming to confirm something, he stands and motions to be followed.
He gives Gitaena an appreciative look of one who's done their homework and smiles slightly. As fantastical as the tradition in Irissen is, her story is entirely unique and an experience that is hard to fathom for many of us. Her Majesty hails from a distant planet where she was princess to a royal family. Through a complex series of events that are not mine to tell, she was brought here by a group of adventurers and has ruled as Winter Queen for a little over a decade now. If you're polite and speak plainly, she'll have no reason to dislike you.
"Is the queen okay? Um... Do we have to run?" she draws her weapons, expecting the worst "Ok, I'm coming!" picking up the pace to meet the moment. Calix chuckles and makes a calming motion with his hand. It is nothing like that. We probably shouldn't be waving our weapons around in here. There is no need. She simply has an idea and she requested the help of the Pathfinders.
No, I'm quite aware. It's probably best that she explain it herself he answers as they round another corner.
"Good morning, Pathfinders," he says in a deep, calm, rumble. "I am Calix, advisor and gracious servant to Her Majesty Queen Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, Fifteenth Winter Queen of Irrisen, Mistress of Thronehold, and your host for this historical event. Prior to this post, I was a member of the Pathfinder Society and translator for my cousin, Venture- Captain Bjersig Torrsen. Her Majesty is awaiting your arrival with great anticipation. Given the vagueness of your invite, I am sure you have much to discuss with her. If you would be so kind as to follow me, we will endeavor to answer whatever questions we can." The inside of the estate is a maze of winding corridors and antechambers, each filled with finery such as gilded chandeliers and portraits of previous Winter Queens. You have ample time to ask preliminary questions while Calix Balakin (male dromaar former Pathfinder) escorts you.
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